East Peorians can now keep pet rabbits within city limits

Wednesday

Jun 20, 2012 at 12:01 AMJun 20, 2012 at 7:03 PM

Rabbits of East Peoria (and their owners), rejoice! From Sunnyland to the Creve Coeur border, rabbits are now legally able to live freely (well, in cages) and openly within the incorporated boundaries of the city of East Peoria.

"I think it's awesome," said Cindy Miller, whose son Isaac's bunny, Fifi, was the impetus for the City Council's decision to approve a rabbit-friendly amendment to the city's ordinances Tuesday. "I made it happen. Little old me."

Scott Hilyard

Rabbits of East Peoria (and their owners), rejoice! From Sunnyland to the Creve Coeur border, rabbits are now legally able to live freely (well, in cages) and openly within the incorporated boundaries of the city of East Peoria.

"I think it's awesome," said Cindy Miller, whose son Isaac's bunny, Fifi, was the impetus for the City Council's decision to approve a rabbit-friendly amendment to the city's ordinances Tuesday. "I made it happen. Little old me."

Miller made it happen in a hurry. In late May, Miller was cited for being in violation of the city ordinance when a city employee saw Fifi in her hutch behind the Miller's Sunnyland home while in the neighborhood on a different complaint.

Two weeks ago she stood before Mayor Dave Mingus and members of the City Council and urged them to consider changing the language in an ordinance that included rabbits on a list of prohibited animals along with cattle, sheep, ponies and foxes. Miller came armed with photos and information and won over the council.

"Don't get rid of that rabbit just yet," Mingus told her.

On Tuesday, as Cindy and Isaac Miller sat in the audience, the council approved an amendment, Title 10-2-3.28, to the city ordinances that allows for the keeping of rabbits under certain conditions. No more than two rabbits may be kept as pets, they cannot be bred or slaughtered, they must be confined within an escape-resistant enclosure and be maintained in clean and sanitary conditions.

"It's a timely topic. I was very impressed it was on the agenda and taken care of so quickly," said Commissioner Chad Joos, who introduced the amendment. "It's a sensible amendment in my view."

The amendment passed 5-0.

"That rabbit was never in any danger, I assure you," Mingus said.

Before the meeting ended, Cindy and Isaac Miller stepped up to the podium.

"I'm very flattered and we appreciate the expediency the council took," Cindy Miller said. "This has been a wonderful experience. My son would like to thank you, too."

Cindy Miller hoisted Isaac Miller, who is 5, by the armpits to be mouth level with the microphone.

"Thank you," Isaac Miller said.

Scott Hilyard can be reached at 686-3244, by email at shilyard@pjstar.com or on Twitter at @scotthilyard.